Adrian Beltre ejected for hilarious antics in on-deck circle

The Texas Rangers third baseman was tossed from Wednesday’s 22-10 loss to the Miami Marlins, not for arguing balls and strikes, and certainly not for charging the pitcher’s mound. Instead, Beltre was ejected by second base umpire Gerry Davis when he physically moved the on-deck circle, rather than following instructions to get back in the on-deck circle.

The hilarious scene played out during the eighth inning. The game was already decided at that point, yet Beltre appeared to be in a playful mood. If not that, he was trying to keep things light. Unfortunately, Davis didn’t quite see the humor, so he sent Beltre to the showers while unintentionally making himself look like a fun ruiner worthy of consideration to be NFL commissioner.

There are many reasons Adrian Beltre is among the most beloved baseball players of this generation. The fact he doesn’t take himself seriously is high on that list. Though Davis took Beltre to be mocking him or undermining his authority, it was just Beltre being Beltre.

Adrian Beltre was ejected for dragging the on-deck circle after ump asked him to get in it. You can see how far he moved it. pic.twitter.com/EdthGPrLNC

It should be noted that Marlins pitcher Drew Steckenrider never asked to have Beltre moved. It was well within his rights to do so if Beltre was causing a distraction, but apparently he wasn’t in the pitcher’s peripheral vision. This was entirely Davis’ call, and in the sense that he’s “doing his job” it was the right call. He has player safety to think of. His job is to enforce the rules and keep the game moving, not make friends.

In the sense of keeping perspective, Davis missed the mark here. He didn’t have to play along with Beltre, but he didn’t have to eject him either. Given Beltre’s reputation for having fun and the fact that he’s nearing history, it doesn’t seem like much to ask for a little leeway. That’s why Rangers manager Jeff Banister was quick to defend his star, earning himself an ejection in the process.

The history we speak of is 3,000 hits. With his 3-for-3 performance on Wednesday night, Beltre is now four hits away from that magical milestone. It’s possible he would have another two at-bats in this game, potentially dropping that number to two.

The good news is with six more games on the home stand, the only things that could stop Beltre from reaching the milestone at Globe Life Park would be a trade ahead of Monday’s deadline or several more ejections. All of the above is possible, but none seems likely, meaning a truly memorable moment for Beltre and the Rangers is only days away.